The Indian Ocean
Last night the wind picked up to 12 knots and I was going along between 6-7 knots most of the night. :) No fishing boats or ships last night so I got a pretty good night's sleep. The wind died of a little this morning but I'm still going 5 knots. I found the pump for my alcohol stove. It had somehow fallen out of the lazarette and in to the engine room and somehow made it's way under the engine. Looks like the wind should be building tonight so hopefully I'll get moving along a bit better. Looking forward to getting to Cocos Keeling. I should be getting there within the week. Meanwhile the days pass quickly with my boat chores, reading, cooking (yeah) and catching up on sleep.
Cheers,
Zac
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
8:04 PM
55 Comments:
Zac,
Great to hear of your "uneventful" days. No pirates, no squalls..That must be nice for a change.
Continued Prayers,
The Baker Family
Ah Zac; what a pleasure to be reading your revelations of your experiences at sea; good and bad.
I've missed the blog and its participants immensely. I have spent the last couple of weeks up in Sonoma county celebrating a friends grape havest/crush which is my annual ritual this time of year. While there I swear off internet and cell phone interaction in place of being present to the bounty of the fall harvest and its buccolic surroundings. When one lives in Los Angeles the need to disengage ocassionally is a requirement(for met at least). However, I must confess that I sneak a peak at the newspaper every now and then, but have greatly missed witnessing your exploits on a daily basis. Withdrawls might be a better word!
OMG; Oh my goodness; what a wild trip it has been! I've spent the last couple of days catching up on the ENTIRE blog and each and every comment that has been posted.
I'm happy to hear that you are well and doing everything that I knew that you were capable of. I'd always wondered if you were "packin heat" and just as I thought; you are. I'm not a advocate of guns, but in your situation I do believe it's a requirement. I hope you never have to use it, but am glad that you are prepared for that event if need be.
Sounds like some good wind is coming your way. You have been so blessed by the angels that you've met on your journey. John Knights revelations of your departure from Darwin was pure poetry and touched me deeply.
It's interesting that your dad always manages to leave port before you do. I wonder if it's just timing or just that it's hard to say goodbye and watch you leave port. I like to think that rather than coincidence, he's just of the understanding that you are a man who is capable of managing his own departure and the plans that it requires. A fine thing.
Hugs and prayers to you and all the Pac!
Melanie in Torrance
Hi Zac,
I've been following your journey. I have a Macgregor 26x.
Had an idea. In the case of your mystery vessel...what if, at the moment the unknown vessel was 200 yards off in your wake, you had ready a red background flag, maybe 5 ft by 6 ft in size, that had the image on it of a machine gun! Now most people would say that was inviting trouble, but you wouldn't play that card until they were truly closing in to board. In your scenario you would not have hoisted it. But if they had decided to board you it would give the message that it isn't going to be easy. They may turn around at that point fearing you may have a machine gun. You would still stay out of site with your 357 and not fire until they had actually boarded.
If they did board you wouldn't want to begin firing until as many of them had boarded as possible before your being was threatened, thereby getting as many of them as possible, perhaps all but the captain, before they could hide in their boat and pump your boat full of holes, which they would surely do if you had fired upon them and didn't eliminate a sufficient number of them.
I go thru these scenarios as I'm sure you do. In the martial arts it's good never to let anyone know what you can do until the moment you have to use it.
Cyrus (55 year old Chiropractor, San Francisco CA)
Hi Zac.
Glad things are looking up. I hope you have a great few days reaching the Cocos Keeling Islands, and more so, a great stay there, even though it is likely to be a short stay. Since it has not been mentioned, I assume you will bypass Rodrigues, unlike Joshua Slocum, and head for Mauritias, and, from Mauritias, head for Durban.
Keep on keeping on, Zac. We all wish you well.
As far as cats go, we wouldn't be without at least one, sometimes as many as three.
They are terrific companions, even as aloof as they tend to be. I was surprised to read how well cats can adapt to sailing as I did in other circumnavigators adventures.
Cats seem to be much smarter than they are given credit for. Should you decide to have one as a first mate, may the relationship be as rewarding as has been for me and our family!!!
Dave,
I can see how having a weapon around as you describe, could discourage someone whose curiosity turns to covetousness. However, I'd still advise Zac to quickly lose the gun if confronted by a hostile situation.
Kevin
Am so pleased you found the pump. Hot Dinner tonight!
(repost of yesterdays/nights post)
Okay, my pennies worth (tho' given the rate of the US dollar to whatever currency Capt Zac's near makes it either worth zillions of them or scrap metal).
Keep the protection - just be safe about it!
The pet (you choose which best will provide you non-human companionship) - go for it. While we humans think we're their owners, it truly is the other way 'round. Given your options, I'd aim for the bird, at least it can "fly back" if it goes over-deck, tho' I'd still tether the beast (& Capt Zac thought the Booby was messy! Wait for the Macaw!) LOL At least it'll talk back - tho' maybe that's a bad idea :P
Capt Zac - it's YOUR journey, listen to your own heart/inner voice. We, the ZacPac, are here to support you, NOT make your decisions for you. We may blast circumstances, offer opinions (wise or not), but in the end, this is YOUR circumnavigation.
THANK YOU (& Team Sunderland) for enabling us to share it w/you.
HUGS!!
Tomi/ATL
Have y'all checked out Capt Zac's website recently? There've been a few changes - enjoy the surfing, Of his website that is. Remember to check out the links, items to purchase to support "our Capt's" journey & above all, click DONATE (we DO want Lady Marianne to join our Capt in Cocos Keeling, yes?). (shameless plug to help support one of my heroes - CAPT ZAC!)
Capt Zac, you're doing GREAT! Keep the faith man, don't forget your malarials & pat yourself on the back to remind you, we, Your ZacPac, care!
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Cyrus,
And just how would you expect to survive the scenario you describe?
Kevin
ooops - meant to say ANTI-malarials.
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
WOAH Cyrus that was one helluva Prozac moment U just had!! HA HA HA..O.K... Whatever we do try not to piss Cyrus off...I think he has had too many "adjustments".
It is strange how tools, required parts and important pieces to things just seem to snake their way into the bottom on a boat.
http://yachtlog.blogspot.com/
Zac,
While we were sailing we had onboard both of the items that seem to be causing a debate at the moment.
First... Cats. When we left from North Carolina we took with us our two cats and when we arrived in Alaska three years later they were still with us. Of course there are pros and cons to every situation but in retrospect I would not have done it without them. If you do get one here are a couple of tips.
1. You will need to put netting around the boat (for those who don't know... it is a net that attaches to the life lines and the tow rails to keep things from going overboard like children, pets or even tools. It is a great addition to have with or without pets)
2. Yes it really bites to clean a litter box but it is well worth the reward of having a companion. We kept ours on deck when weather or sea permitted... off course we did not glue it down but used bungi (sp?) cords instead.
One of our cats would always sit next to us while we were on watch, rain or shine. He was not afraid of a little splash and would take a soaker like a true sailor. THey never feel in at sea, however our one eyed cat did fall in a couple of times trying to jump onto the dock (they needed to stretch their sea legs too!) His depth perception was not very good other wise he would have made the jumps just fine. They loved the flying fish and were always glad to wake up to a treat on the deck in the morning. I could go on and on with cat stories but I must get the kids ready for school and myself off to work.. So my vote is yes on the cats.
@ the Zac Pac... Now is not the time to debate gun issues. Though he will probably never use it, at least he and Team Sunderland have the piece of mind to know that he has some protection if he does need it. It is their call not ours.
@evan ... Isn't that the truth. How does everything that you lose wind up in the bilge???
@Melanie... glad you are back.
Tammy
Glad that your sails are full again. Enjoy the Cocos.
Tammy
I can only imagine your glee to have found the pump for your stove in such an odd location! Yeah, no more cold chili! Cold chili sounds awful.
I'm glad you found your pump. I hope you don't lose your can-opener also.
What a "comforting" post! Hope there isn't as much drama as there has been lately, for a long time. Sail on!
from Iowa
Tomi,I'm 100% in favor of trying to help Marianne get to Cocos Keeling. Is there a specific way to do that, or does it just depend on how many general donations come in? Maybe I missed something, somewhere.
from Iowa
Hi Zac... Very pleased you found your stove pump - no more cold chili! :) Also nice to know you're at least getting some decent winds, if not great, and are moving along. Cocos Keeling within the week! Man you're moving right along!
Cheers to you and all!
willy
milford, ohio
This comment has been removed by the author.
Glad it was an uneventful day :-)
Peace at last -- and hot food, too! Great to hear from you... Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Awesome! Sounds great! So glad you found your stove pump - that's the one good thing about misplacing things on a boat - it has to be there somewhere!
WIND! HOORAAY! How long does it look like you might get to stay on C/K? Any family/crew meeting you there? Post some new video for us soon!
Glad you are getting some sleep! Thank you Lord for no intrusive vessels of any kind!
Eat some WARM food, sleep, POST, do homework - wait - did I say post BEFORE homework?? Oops, sorry Mom! ;)
ENJOY that lovely ocean and you'll be on land again very soon.
GOOD WIND to you, Cap'n!
LA in MN
Zac,
Glad to hear about the pump, and hot food again. That's a definite plus. You have a mature and creative writing style, something rather unusual these days, it's a pleasure to read. Thanks for your updates.
Lisa, Costa Mesa
Hello Zac & Everyone,
Glad to hear everything is going well while sailing today. We like it when it's a little boring. At least if things keep up you'll only have a week before landing in the Cocos.
At least now you can have some warm meals and fill that belly with some nice warm food.
Sail On Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hello Zac & Everyone,
I'm glad to see the gun issue is slowly going away but it's taking a little time. I hope everyone knows that we all have different opinions on guns and if anyone should own them. I'm sure Marianne & Laurence know Zac has a fire arm on board. It's Zac's decision to have one and I'm sure his parents are fine with that if not it wouldn't be on board. It doesn't matter what you or I think about guns they have made that decision so lets not criticize there decision and talk about positive things.
In regards to the pet issue. I have two dogs a 3.5 pound Tea Cup Chihuahua that's four years old (Sninckers) and a 5 pound Tea Cup Maltese (Baci) just over one year old. I have owned many cats before but don't find nearly as much joy as owning dogs. I also own a Timneh African Grey Parrot named Toby. He is 1.5 years old and is highly intelligent. They are classified as one of the smartest animals alive. Dolphins and Chimpanzees are almost as smart but can't communicate with humans. Not every parrot will talk and it mostly depends on the amount of time you spend with your parrot teaching them to speak. Toby currently has around a 40 word vocabulary and it's always growing. He is still considered a baby since he will live to be between 35 to 50 years old. Toby goes with me to work and back every day making the commute from MDR to Valencia and back each and every day. He spends most of his time talking with me during my drive. He also likes to sing to the radio if a song is appealing to him. One of the smartest birds just passed away last year named Alex. I'm sure many of you have seen him on Discovery Channel and many other shows. Here is a link below and if you don't believe me just watch it and you'll be convinced. This video will show Alex recognizing colors, sizes, shapes, counting, matter of materials, to name a few.
After clicking on the link below click on the third category down from the top you'll see a picture of Alex (small gray parrot) and choose your player and speed. If you haven't seen Alex in action you will be impressed.
http://www.pbs.org/saf/1201/video/watchonline.htm?user8=pbs-saf&template8=publishmain.html&query8=scientific+american&squery8=squery%3D%252BClipID%3A4%2B%252BVideoAsset%3Apbssaf1201&select7=2670149&submit8=GO
I really think that a bird would be great for Zac on his journey. Toby gives me so much joy and he is such a great companion. The only draw back is it's a life time commitment you really must take seriously. Alex is a Congo African Gray and Toby (my bird) is a Timneh African Gray which is 30 percent smaller with a bone colored beak instead of a black beak. His size is ideal for boating as long as you have the proper cage and space for the bird. If anyone has questions please feel free to email me. I don't hide under the (anonymous said) blanket.
Toby can call both of my dogs in my exact voice and fool them every time. If he's up for good laugh he imitates the sound of dog food dropping in the stainless steel dog bowls and then calls the dogs. As both dogs run to the bowls and find nothing in them he breaks out in a huge human laugh. Toby usually fools them 9 out of 10 times this way. Toby will even feed the dogs his own food by throwing it out of his cage on the floor and then calls the dogs by name so they can have a small snack. He will call the dogs by each name and then say (Come Here) and believe me the dogs know what that means. I can't express how much joy Toby the Timneh African Grey brings me.
Good luck in making your decision on the pet you will own. People don't own parrots, parrots own people.
Sail On Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi Zac and all,
I have been catching up from the past week and happy to read that all is going well.
Zac, you are an amazing young man and continue to display your ability to continue this journey. It is more apparent each day, why your parents felt confident enough to send you off.
There are many people out there that are 17 and even 40, who are not mature enough to do what you are doing. You continuously display good sense and wisdom. Your parents deserve much of the credit, as they have apparently raised you to be independent.
To the "helicopter" parents out there, you need to let your little bird fly on its own. Don't hang on so tight. Zac is proof of what can be accomplished.
May you have fair winds and following seas.
PS When you listed your "chores" for the day, you forgot to mention "homework". I am sure that you just forgot to write that down. LOL
Good to hear Zac. We are pulling for you!
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
@ Doug Pistone-
Toby sounds like a one-bird show! It reminded me of when I was a kid and we had a mynah bird. Each time my mother (and only my mother) would walk down the hall away from the bird, he would give her what I would describe as a "wolf whistle." I could always tell which direction my mom was traveling in the hallway by whether the bird whistled or not. Seems like he was a big fan of the mature female backside! Thanks for conjuring up that memory.
@ Bill Mann-
Thanks for translating Glen's posts. Can you please tell him in Spanish how much I enjoy his remarks and encouragement for Zac.
Melanie in Torrance
Hey Zac,
So glad you found your pump! A nice warm meal tonight. Perhaps some fish? :)
Glad you are making such good progress.
Looking forward to Cocos Keeling and hope to see pictures. It sounds beautiful.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Zac, I stumbled across your adventure in a small newspaper a while ago and checked out your blog. Since then I check it daily feeling as if I am on the adventure with you. It is inspirational to know that at such a young age you are living out your dreams!!! I have been praying for your safety and sanity, lots of alone time. Stay focused young man, don't give up on the fish either.
Hello Unknown Blogger???
Someone sent me a email on my Yahoo account with the Subject I believe of Subject: Toby and Me?
I accidentally erased it while a few more emails were coming in. Please re-send me that same email since I wasn't ever able to read it. I will answer it if you'll please re-send it.
Thanks Unknown Blogger,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
A man alone at sea. A man alone with his universe. Drink it all in Zac. Years from now you will look back and remember it vividly.
You are doing great. Us old sailors are sitting right next to you in the cockpit. Carry on.
Rusty
Hi Zac,
I only read about the scary boat now. What a relief that nothing bad happened.
All the best wishes for sail to Cocos Keeling.
RK
PS: BTW, today, it is10,000,000 seconds since you left MDR. Congratulations.
http://tinyurl.com/ZacSOnTGo
i don't say this very often, but i so appreciate all the comments from the ZAC PAC. i won't start mentioning names because i will forget someone --but all you 'regulars' know who you are and i love hearing about everyone's interests, backgrounds, etc. i'm not really shy but tend to be when 'posting' -- i hope to meet many of you at the upcoming event. it's not just zac (and team sunderland)who 'make my day' it's all of you. thanks!
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Hey Zac-
Just wanted you to know that my family talks all the time about what an amazing adventure you are on and how brave you are. Its actually been a dream of mine to do what you are doing but dont know if I will ever do it. Good luck. Hope to meet you some day.
Kevin Wildermuth(Toby's soccer coach)
Maybe there was some info on this in a previous post I missed, but why aren't there long. and lat. coordinates with each post anymore?
Dear ZNizzle,
Safe travels on the remainder of your journey.
Can we be friends and do a world surf tour next year?!1 ;}
You passed insane breaks all along Indo, WHAT?!
And we need more video, please.
-David
Hi Zac,
So glad to read you're having some time to relax a little, catch up on your sleep, and enjoying warm food.
God and your angels will keep watching over you to keep you safe. Keep on sailing!
Just want to add that we, too, enjoy reading all posts.
Dick & Gin
Upland
Hiya Zac and fellow Zac Pac.
Hope this finds everyone well :)
Good to hear the winds filled in for you Zac, sounds like you are moving along quite nicely.
Warm food...yeah! The thought of cold chili is not very pleasant..ick. LOL!! I bet it felt like Christmas when you located that pump!
I agree that when something is lost on a boat it's usually in the deepest darkest spot, you know the one that is impossible to reach and also the last place one looks.
Doing great Zac, remember we have you covered in prayer, no worries mate!
remember:
Worry looks around
Sorry looks back
Faith looks up <><
Hugs
Anita M. Miracle RDH
Captain SV "Wombat" ~_/)
Waterloo, NY USA
Yo, Cap’n Zac!
Sounds like your conditions are pretty darned ideal right now…you have good winds, warm chow, decent sleep – life is good! And maybe - if you are ahead of schedule – you’ll get to spend a little extra time on what seems to be “paradise island” this week!
As I was checking out Cocos Keeling online - WOOHOO - nice, nice place! - this song popped into my mind – it’s one that my sisters and I sang when we were growing up, called “Cloud Ships”:
Like snow white sailing ships on a blue sea;
High in the heavens are clouds floating free.
If I could fly to one,
If I might ride to one,
Sailing and sailing - what pleasure ‘t would be.
I should look down from my ship in the sky
On cities, forests, and lakes passing by -
I should sail far away
And at the close of day
Anchor my ship to a mountaintop high.
Sail on, good Cap’n – may the sun shine, the winds blow, and no surprises arise!
Kat
Yo ho to all the Sunderlands & fellow Zac Pac’ers!
Looks like your making great progress!I was just wandering if hes still behind schedule?
Bloggers check my blog!
-Kirsten
Daryl, Tomi's right. We all want to support Zac and his family in any way possible, whether it is with our prayers, time, or donations. There are several ways to donate:
1. Make a cash donation via PayPal,
2. Buy Zac's T-shirts, and
3. Use Zac's GiftClix portal every time you shop online, for home stuff or your business.
Plus, patronizing any of Zac's corporate sponsors is good karma, too!
You can find these links on his home page, and on the left panel of the main blog page.
Yep, Zac is kickin' a*s and takin' names!
Troy Brimm
GiftClix, Inc.
Its a realy funny how last night I had a dream that Zac made it home alright and broke the record!I hope that dream comes true!
Bloggers Check my Blog!
-Kirsten
Oops, bad PayPal link.
Donate via PayPal
For Glen in Argentina from Melanie in Torrance
Puedele por favor lo dice en español cuánto yo disfruto de sus observaciones y el ánimo para Zac.
Melanie en Torrance
To all who understand what it means, Good Yontif and I will see you back tomorrow after sundown.
Bill Mann
Yo again, Cap’n Zac!
So as I was doing a little MORE research on your next port’o’call, I found this:
Wikitravel – Cocos Islands
EAT
There are two restaurants on Cocos. The Tropika Restaurant is located on West Island, whilst Bunga Melati is located on Home Island.
Malay cuisine is a selection of rice, noodles, curry and chilli, featuring chicken, beef, lamb and seafood dishes. Food is prepared to be flavoursome and not particularly hot, unless requested. The Tropika caters to western style meals with a selection of meats, vegetables and salads available from the bistro. In the case of all three restaurants, meals are reasonably priced and rarely exceed AUD20.00 per person.
Tropika, (Located on West Island in the Cocos Beach Motel), ☎ +61 8 9162 6672.
Bunga Melati, (Located on Home Island in the small business centre), ☎ +61 8 9162 7633. The restaurant will open for lunch or dinner on request.
Don't want to eat at a restaurant? Usually, every third Friday, the different social clubs of Cocos prepare a "food night" at the Cocos Club. Excellently priced meals are offered along with raffles and good natured fun. Come along, share a meal. The Cocos Club also offers visitors a great venue to get to know the locals and join in with any activity that is happening.
I’d be willing to bet that the bistro has a burger on the menu!
Plus it looks like you might be there on a "food night" too!
And this was particularly interesting – will you just drop anchor in a local bay?:
By boat
There are no harbors.
Keep us posted, eh Cap'n?!?
All the best to you as always,
Kat
And finally (right) ...
Spread the word to your friends, colleagues, and complete strangers. Tell them about the blog, and Zac's dispatches from 10,000 miles at sea. Tell them about the cool videos from Ocean Rescue, and the great photography by Lisa Gizara and Jen Edney.
Add Zac's website link (www.zacsunderland.com) to your email signature, your MySpace (and the like) page, and your company's home page. If you are in school, tell your teacher and friends. Zac's journey is a marvelous exercise in geography, oceanography, and meteorology, and a great class project.
Zac, his family, and a network of loyal friends and collegues got the momentum going, and continue to manage what must certainly be a logistical nightmare.
Let's get out of our cars and help "push"!
Troy
Kat,
What great information on Cocos! Sounds like a beautiful place. And I loved the words to Cloud Ships. Perfect!
Bill, Good Yontif to you, too.
Zac, our prayers continue...
Blessings,
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
I know: the PayPal link I have tried twice to make work isn't supported on the blog. (HTML is not my forté.)
Please use the "Donate" button on the *right* side of the blog, or the "Help Support Zac's World Adventure" button on the *left* side of his home page.
Humbly,
Troy
Hello Zac,
We read about your adventure in God's World News. We homeschool in Michigan. Our 9 year old wrote an article about you in our homeschool newsletter. Our children enjoy watching your progress. We've also been praying for your safety.
God bless you,
Zeilenga Family
You're really lucky to live near/on the sea. I went in for about a second when I was two but I was too afraid to go in that water one more time.
@ Zeilenga Family,
I get that newspaper also. I love it.
Zeilenga Family,
I think Zac would love to read your child's article! Would you share it with us?
Troy
Hey
Mr. Bill Mamm
Thanks for translate my post the other day, and thanks again for translate the “Melanie” Mail. Buy the way, I send you an Email with some explanation…
To ALL
The reason that I don’t write successive in English in the blog is quite simple; I haven’t enough time to put attention in the way that I write there, because my work take me to busy…
But that is not mean that I not read the blog. I “Read it” but, not post it…
I understood at least 80% of all the post it in the blog, and is not necessarily to translate to Spanish when some one wants to tell me something… I understand, and when not, I catch the dictionary …
Buy the way, I very enjoy when they do it… ;-))
To Melanie
Thanks for your comments about my post, I really enjoy write in the ZAC BLOG when I can…
AGAIN THANKS TO ALL….
See You ALL on BOARD…
SOON.
Glen
Hi Zac,Im Madi, I am in the 5th grade and read your article in the news current. That is a newspaper magazine that my class reads monthly.I liked reading of your adventure.My family and I hope you make it.Good luck!!!!
PS. Maybe when your done, you can come and talk to my school.
Take care and God be with you.
The James Family
Zac:
I guess the best news is reliable winds that are productive. Right up there is that you found the pump for the alcohol stove! Yaa. Hot (or at least warm) food. I've tried the chili straight from the can route. It will prevent starvation, but after a few cans, one doesn't really care!
Hope that your news keeps getting better and better. You're on a roll now os keep up the momentum. You are not alone out there.
The Croaker
@jlh -
Thanks, Jennifer! The melody (it's a duet) of "Cloud Ships" is as pretty as the words!
Kat
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